Possible sign of bite mark on hedgehog

[Laura C]

Hi, I don’t usually post on forums but I’m looking for some advice please. I have a small hedgehog (looks to be a youngster as not full size) living under my shed. I’ve observed him for a couple of weeks now and set up a feeding station, which he visits as soon as he leaves his nest and seems to happily munch away at around half the hedgehog food that I put out. (I put about half a handful down). He has been out between 19:30 – 20:30 this past week. Unfortunately this evening I noticed a small patch on his back where the spines have separated and looks to be some bite marks. I didn’t want to disturb him as he seemed happily moving around and walking his route. Should I intervene and pick him up to weigh and inspect him ? Or leave him be ?

[Nic]

Hi Laura C

If it is a bite, i.e. from a dog or fox, the hog could get an infection, apart from anything else, so it really needs to be checked by a hog carer.

The best thing to do is contact a hog carer /rehabilitator. You can find contact details of your nearest ones by ringing BHPS on 01584 890801. You can still contact them out of hours – volunteers answer the phone. So please don’t delay. If the hog really has been bitten it may need treatment as soon as possible, but the carer/rehabilitator will advise as to the best course of action.

Good luck. I hope the hog is ok. Let us know how you get on.

[Laura C]

Hi Nic,

Thank you so much for the advice, the update is; the hedgehog is doing well and is a mum. I Didn’t want to disturb her as other than my initial worries she was feeding and seemed quite spritely. I observed her for a couple of days to get close enough to see her back. It turned out that the patch on her back was where there was a tic but now appears to have dropped off naturally. Her strange behaviour made sense now as on Monday she came out of her nest at 21:30 followed by a well developed hoglet. Mum went straight to the feeding station followed by baby. It was such a joy to observe mum happily feed away , and the youngster was clearly having a good look around, it seemed to be pestered mum for a bit for milk before heading back to the nest. I’ve not seen a live hedgehog in my area for years, I first encountered one in March this year and noticed this one in my garden in June. After I posted I did get a little concerned for the little hedgehog as I found one dead down the road and was worried it was our little resident. Thankfully not and hopefully this is a start to a growing population in the area.

[Author]

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